The Vancouver Whitecaps, leading the Western Conference, secured four spots on the 26-player MLS All-Star team announced on Wednesday. Forward Brian White, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, defender Tristan Blackmon, and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka will represent Vancouver during the MLS All-Star Game against top players from Liga MX on July 23 at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The inclusion of these four players highlights the Whitecaps’ strong presence in the league this season.
Other MLS Clubs With Notable Representation
Alongside Vancouver, the expansion side San Diego FC stands out as the only other club with more than two players selected. Forwards Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano, along with midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, earned their places on the MLS All-Star squad. Inter Miami, led by reigning MVP Lionel Messi, also features prominently among the squad’s forwards. Messi will join Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo, Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi, and Austin FC’s Brandon Vazquez in the attacking lineup.
Midfielders and Defenders Named to the MLS All-Star Team
In midfield, Sebastian Berhalter and Jeppe Tverskov are joined by Portland’s David Da Costa, FC Cincinnati’s Evander, Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, and Chicago’s Philip Zinckernagel. The defensive unit includes Tristan Blackmon alongside Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba, Columbus’ Max Arfsten, Minnesota’s Michael Boxall, Orlando City’s Alex Freeman, Philadelphia’s Jakob Glesnes, Nashville’s Andy Najar, and FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson.
Goalkeepers Selected for the All-Star Game
The goalkeeping duties will be shared between Vancouver’s Yohei Takaoka, Minnesota’s Dayne St. Clair, and Austin’s Brad Stuver. Notably, St. Clair leads the league with eight clean sheets, emphasizing his impact this season. This trio will be critical in the All-Star match, bringing strong defensive skills to counter Liga MX’s offensive threats.
Selection Process Behind the 2024 MLS All-Star Team
The 26 players were chosen through a combination of fan votes, coach selections, and commissioner appointments. Twelve players, including Jordi Alba, Tai Baribo, Sebastian Berhalter, Tristan Blackmon, Denis Bouanga, Michael Boxall, Evander, Alex Freeman, Diego Luna, Lionel Messi, Dayne St. Clair, and Brian White, were elected by fans. Austin FC’s coach Nico Estevez selected twelve players, among them Max Arfsten, David Da Costa, Anders Dreyer, Jakob Glesnes, Andy Najar, Miles Robinson, Diego Rossi, Brad Stuver, Yohei Takaoka, Jeppe Tverskov, Brandon Vazquez, and Philip Zinckernagel. The MLS Commissioner Don Garber chose Patrick Agyemang and Chucky Lozano for the final two roster spots.
Emerging Stars and Veteran Influence Among All-Stars
Patrick Agyemang’s inclusion marks his first MLS All-Star appearance at 24 years old. Meanwhile, Chucky Lozano, San Diego FC’s 29-year-old Designated Player, continues to make an immediate impact in his new club. Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, as the league’s reigning MVP, remains a central figure leading the team, bringing star power and experience to the roster.
This All-Star lineup showcases a blend of established talent and rising stars, reflecting the competitive nature of the MLS ahead of the highly anticipated match in Austin. The event not only celebrates individual performances but also the growing strength of the league against Liga MX’s best players.